Common Oven Cleaning Mistakes and How You Can Avoid Them?
Kitchen maintenance can be messy and arduous when it comes to cleaning, especially oven cleaning. Having an oven is largely helpful when it comes to cooking delicacies and meals for our families, friends, and guests. However, it can also be a source of bacteria and germs, thus making it absolutely essential to keep them clean and maintained.
Oven cleaning is known to be one of the most important yet time-consuming aspects of keeping your kitchen clean and sanitary. Unfortunately, some common avoidable mistakes people make when cleaning their ovens can lead to a dirty, smelly, and unsanitary oven.
To ensure that your oven gets cleaned efficiently and thoroughly, here are some oven cleaning mistakes that are to be avoided.
1. Not Cleaning The Oven Regularly
Most of us only think of oven cleaning when it looks filthy or when it is time to prepare a special meal. This results in a buildup of grease, dirt, and grime. However, the essential rule of oven cleaning is to do it regularly to ensure it remains in good working order and reduce workload for later times. This will save you time and effort when it comes to deep cleaning.
To keep your oven in top condition, set up a goal to clean it at least once every month, and you’ll find it much easier to keep it looking and working its best.
2. Not Preheating the Oven
Before you begin with the oven cleaning, it’s important to preheat it to a temperature of around 200 degrees Fahrenheit. This will help loosen any baked-on grime and grease, making cleaning easier. If you don’t preheat your oven, you’ll find it hard and even impossible to get all the dirt and grime off without taking a lot of time and effort.
3. Not Cleaning the Oven Racks
It is essential to clean your oven racks alongside the oven itself. Oven racks can easily become covered in grease and grime and can cause your oven to smoke if not cleaned properly. To make the job easier, place the oven racks in a sink filled with warm, soapy water and leave them to soak for an hour or two before cleaning.
4. Not using the right cleaning products
Another mistake people often make when it comes to oven cleaning is not using the right products. Some people tend to use harsh detergents, which can damage and even corrode your oven’s inner lining. It is essential to use the correct cleaning products to ensure your oven is safely cleaned. Opt for natural, non-abrasive cleaners such as baking soda, vinegar, and lemon juice, which are gentle yet effective. Also, avoid using corrosive products such as bleach, ammonia, and vinegar.
So natural and non-abrasive are effective at cleaning away dirt and grime while also being gentle on your oven’s surface.
5. Not properly cleaning the oven door
Cleaning the oven door is often neglected and can accumulate grease and grime, so clean it thoroughly with a damp cloth and mild detergent. Make sure to get into all the nooks and crannies of the door and wipe off any excess soap. Many oven doors have a removable handle and glass panel, so you can quickly get all the dirt and grime out after doing that.
6. Not cleaning the oven trays
Oven trays often accumulate grease and grime, leading to a smelly and unsanitary oven. Use a damp cloth and mild detergent to clean the oven trays properly. Make sure to get into all corners of the oven trays, as grease tends to settle more on the corners, and be sure to wipe off any excess soap.
7. Not cleaning the oven fan
The oven fan is often forgotten when it comes to oven cleaning. To ensure a spotless and safe oven, clean the fan regularly. Use a damp cloth and mild detergent to eliminate any grease and dirt.
8. Not Cleaning the Oven Light
The oven light can often be forgotten when cleaning an oven, but it’s actually one of the most important things to clean. The light can quickly become covered in grease and dirt, and result in droppings, so it’s crucial to ensure you clean it thoroughly. For a spotless and safe oven, clean the oven light regularly. To get rid of grease and dirt, use a damp cloth with a gentle cleaning product, and turn the light off before you start.
9. Not Protecting Yourself from Fumes
Cleaning your oven can produce some nasty fumes, so it’s essential to protect yourself from them. Make sure you open windows and doors to let the fumes escape and ensure ventilation. In addition, it’s essential to wear protective gear, such as gloves and masks, when cleaning an oven. This will help protect your skin and eyes from any harmful chemicals or fumes released during the cleaning process. It’s also a good idea to turn off any fans or air conditioning units in the room, as these can cause the fumes to spread further.
Conclusion
These are just a few of the most common oven cleaning mistakes to avoid. Cleaning your oven regularly is vital for both safety and hygiene. Doing so will help to keep your kitchen clean and hygienic and will also help to extend the life of your oven. You can make your oven look as good as new with some extra effort and care.
If you want your oven or kitchen to look sparkling clean, contact our professional house cleaners, which will help you maintain a clean house whenever you need it. Whether you need carpet, window, floor or oven cleaning done, we’ll manage it all for you. We offer flexible timings and expert advice for a spotless deep cleaning experience of your professional or domestic spaces and accessories.